LEARN ABOUT THE FUNCTIONALITY, IMPORTANCE, AND BEAUTY OF WETLANDS FROM REGIONAL EXPERTS

The field trip you’ve been waiting for! Join Mainspring Aquatics Program Manager Jason Meador and other local researchers for a full day of wetland exploration and adventure. Along the way, we’ll learn why wetlands are valuable for humans and wildlife, and how they benefit our landscape and the planet. This “double feature” field trip will highlight two interesting types of wetland: one natural, conserved wetland, and one constructed, restored wetland.

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:30AM: Cowee Coffee open in the Cowee School

Purchase a coffee and a pastry to enjoy during the lecture!

9:00AM: Introductory research lecture at the Cowee School

We’ll start the day by delving into current research on local wetlands. Local scientists will lead a lecture at the Cowee School, citing specific research conducted on the wetlands we’ll visit later in the day (including work done with acoustic devices and trail cameras.)

10:30AM: Tour of a natural wetland in Otto

Next, we’ll head to Tessentee Bottomland Preserve in Otto to tour the biodiverse wetland on the preserve. Jason Meador will speak to the history of Mainspring’s restoration work on the property, and we’ll learn about the plants, insects, birds, and other critters that thrive here.

12:00PM: Picnic at the historic Tessentee farmhouse

Bring your own lunch, or purchase a box lunch through us (see choices and pricing on the ticket purchase page.) Participants are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

1:30PM: Tour of a nearby constructed wetland on conserved property

We’ll continue the learning down the road at a high quality, manmade wetland. Jason Meador will tell the story of how Mainspring rebuilt this wetland and why this type of work is important to our region. We'll also learn about unusual plants and other ecological delights.

3:00PM: Event Ends

The day will begin promptly at 9:00am at the Cowee School (51 Cowee School Dr, Franklin, NC 28734.) We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to park and get settled before the lecture starts. It’s a 25 minute drive from the Cowee School to Tessentee, and a 10 minute drive from Tessentee to the constructed wetland. We will caravan to the different locations, and carpooling is encouraged. The rain date for this event is Thursday, April 11th.

Tickets for this field trip are $15 for the bring-your-own-lunch option. For $28-$30, we’ll have a box lunch ready and waiting for you at the farmhouse. All $28-$30 tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, April 3rd.

Click here to purchase a ticket. Please note that the capacity of this event is limited to 25 people TOTAL, not 25 people per ticket type.